Blizzard is planning major changes to the item system of Diablo 4. Everything is supposed to improve after itemization has become one of the biggest criticisms. Players are trying to analyze the update already – and are getting a bit lost in the process.
What is the problem with the items?
- Items in Diablo 4 can have over 200 properties and many of them are not really needed by their own or other classes for anything.
- Nevertheless, you find the items and first have to compare for several minutes to determine that the stuff is indeed supposed to end up at the vendor. Experts are calling for a loot filter for exactly such cases.
- The sheer mass of items and affixes causes many players to simply lose track or not know which of their items is actually better. Complaints have been around for months.
What is supposed to change? Already in November 2023, Blizzard stated that itemization is supposed to improve with Season 4. Since then, this topic has been a glimmer of hope for many fans of Diablo 4, who currently prefer to spend their time in Last Epoch.
The specific plans have not yet been published, but some experts have allegedly already been consulted on the topic. From the sporadic news surrounding the changes, a user on Reddit has compiled a list of things that are likely to improve through the adjustments:
- The sheer number of affixes will be reduced – especially those with prerequisites will be removed.
- A type of crafting system could be introduced.
- Overall, fewer items are supposed to drop, similar to Diablo 2.
However, no one should expect that Diablo 4 will become a new game or suddenly receive a loot filter. Aspects will also not end up in the codex.
From the information currently available, the points do seem valid, although nothing indicates the amount of loot that will drop after the update. The topic itself, however, is heating up opinions.
At BlizzCon, we already spoke with the heads about the future of the game:
Controversy over the changes, even before they arrive
In a thread with 500 comments, a user on Reddit expresses his concerns about the upcoming changes. His argument is: Every streamer who has already seen the update sees no future for Diablo 4.
Others warn that Blizzard really needs to get everything right now to avoid fading into obscurity. The fact that the promised test server is not yet available is a bad sign.
It’s sad to see so many people who would rather rely entirely on the opinions of others than make a decision for themselves. Another user agrees: The expectations that streamers have due to their jobs for a game simply do not apply to the average player.
Other fans clarify that the reactions of many streamers are not negative at all. Some of the stars might just be focusing on Last Epoch as well, but do not necessarily see the future as bleak for Diablo 4. Many players are simply looking forward to what’s coming.
How exactly the changes will ultimately play out, we will see with Season 4 or in advance with the PTR. Community manager Adam Fletcher has already confirmed that the changes will come directly at the start of the season, not later. You can find all information about Season 4 in Diablo 4 in our hub here.
The reactions to these concerns, however, receive strong backlash. For instance, one user clarifies:
Why do you care what [streamers] think? They stream to make money, and they go where the money leads them. All that should matter is whether you enjoy the game or not. And if not […] then move on. It’s literally just a game.
It’s sad to see so many people who would rather rely entirely on the opinions of others than make a decision for themselves. Another user agrees: The expectations that streamers have due to their jobs for a game simply do not apply to the average player.
Other fans clarify that the reactions of many streamers are not negative at all. Some of the stars might just be focusing on Last Epoch as well, but do not necessarily see the future as bleak for Diablo 4. Many players are simply looking forward to what’s coming.
How exactly the changes will ultimately play out, we will see with Season 4 or in advance with the PTR. Community manager Adam Fletcher has already confirmed that the changes will come directly at the start of the season, not later. You can find all information about Season 4 in Diablo 4 in our hub here.
